the blog for single, over-40 women

Getting Closer

by sharynkopf on October 3, 2014

Image courtesy of koko-tewan/freedigitalimages.net

When He had come back to Capernaum several days afterward, it was heard that He was at home.And many were gathered together, so that there was no longer room, not even near the door; and He was speaking the word to them.And they came, bringing to Him a paralytic, carried by four men.Being unable to get to Him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above Him; and when they had dug an opening, they let down the pallet on which the paralytic was lying. ~Matthew 2:1-4

While reading this passage recently, I was struck by three realizations: 1) This paralytic man had great friends, 2) those friends were determined to get him as close to Jesus as possible, and 3) they believed he could get better.

Now, for a little honesty. I haven’t always had the easiest time making friends. That’s partly because I’ve moved so much since high school—eight states and I’m not sure how many cities within those states—and partly because I often seem to end up in small towns where singles are a little harder to find.

But I also put up walls and can be selfish and have been known to speak first, think later. Or not do much thinking at all and, as a result, say hurtful things.

I want to be better. I want to be the kind of person who’s surrounded by friends. But, even more, I want to be the kind of friend who brings people as close to Jesus as possible. Someone who would cut a hole in a ceiling and lower the sick, the hurting, the heart in despair down to the only One who can really help. Someone who believes He not only can but will heal grieving souls, and is willing to use her words and actions to get them to Him.

The next step is to stop saying I want to be that person and just be that person. It’s a choice, a decision to guide a friend until she’s right in front of Jesus. But it also requires that I have a heart that’s ready to be close to Him too. I need to tear down walls and put others first.

Perhaps we all need to be lowered through a ceiling so we can get a little closer to God.

Father, give me specific opportunities today to help someone know You better so they can find the courage, strength and healing they need. May my words and actions draw others into Your presence.

You’re right. Those ARE incredible friends in that bible passage. One thing I have been appreciating about my singleness this week is the time I have to sow into friendships. Great prayer. I pray to be that kind of friend, too.

Great post, Sharyn. I’ve had a situation recently where I could have been that friend that helped someone get closer to Jesus. These words really hit me, “The next step is to stop saying I want to be that person and just be that person. It’s a choice, a decision to guide a friend until she’s right in front of Jesus.” Thanks for the great reminder.